HC Deb 04 July 1984 vol 63 cc171-2W
Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the percentage rise in (a) male and (b) female unemployment in the Greenock and Port Glasgow travel-to-work area since May 1979.

Mr. Allan Stewart

As a result of the change from a registrant to a claimant based count in October 1982, data prior to this date are not comparable with current figures. The percentage rise in unemployment in the Greenock travel-to-work area cannot therefore be calculated. On 10 May 1979 there were 3,302 males and 1,663 females registered as unemployed at jobcentres in the Greenock travel-to-work area. On 10 May 1984, the latest date for which information is available, there were 6,366 males and 2,358 females claiming benefit in the same area.

The Greenock travel-to-work area comprises the jobcentre areas of Greenock, Largs and Port Glasgow.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present level of long-term unemployment in the Greenock and Port Glasgow travel-to-work area; and what was the level in 1979.

Mr. Allan Stewart

On 14 April 1984, the latest date for which information is available, there were 3,441claimants in the Greenock travel-to-work area who had been unemployed for over 52 weeks. On 5 April 1979 there were 1,342 people who had been registed as unemployed at jobcentres in the same area for over 52 weeks. These figures are not directly comparable because of the change from a registrant to a claimant based count in October 1982.

The Greenock travel-to-work area comprises the jobcentre areas of Greenock, Largs and Port Glasgow.

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